Critical Decision 2, Approval of the NCSX Performance Baseline was signed on February 3, 2004. CD-2 marks the beginning of project performance tracking by DOE. The Performance Baseline defines the cost, schedule, performance, and scope commitment to which the Department will execute the project. The Performance Baseline is generally the result of a mature design; detailed, resource loaded schedules; cost estimate for the entire project; and the defined performance parameters and scope.

Key activities that take place leading up to CD-2 approval include preliminary design; development of key performance, scope and schedule parameters; risk assessment; establishment of a performance measurement system; identification of project interfaces; and development of the Project Execution Plan.

Three project reviews were conducted to support CD-2 for NCSX:

1. Preliminary Design Review conducted by PPPL, October 7-9, 2003.


2. Performance Baseline Review conducted by the Office of Science, November 18-20, 2003.


3. Performance Baseline Validation, External Independent Review conducted by the Office of Engineering and Construction Management, November 18-20, 2003.

All panels were made up of outside reviewers charged with assessing the project's readiness for CD-2. Each panel producted a written report which included a number of findings and recommendations for the project. All three panels were unanimous in concluding that the project was ready to proceed to CD-2 after responding appropriately to the review recommendations. The project accepted virtually all of the review recommendations and incorporated the requested changes into the CD-2 baseline.

CD-2 Aproval Memorandum (February 3, 2004)

ESAAB Presentation by Greg Pitonak, Federal Project Director (February 3, 2004)

NCSX Performance Baseline Documentation

Preliminary Design Review, October 7-9, 2003

Disposition Plan for Review Recommendations (January 13, 2004)

Final Report

Performance Baseline Review, November 18-20, 2003

Disposition Plan for Review Recommendations (January 13, 2004)

Final Panel Report

External Independent Review, November 18-20, 2003

OECM Approval Memo (February 2004)

Final Panel Report